The voice of Tom Brady, NFL legend and current Fox Sports analyst, made waves on The Joel Klatt Show. The iconic quarterback didn’t hold back when addressing the state of college sports in the United States, voicing strong criticism over the growing influence of money in the development of young athletes.

“Too much pressure for kids this young”

During the interview, Brady expressed concern about the current direction of college competition, where, in his view, priorities have shifted toward financial gain and increased player mobility between programs. The former New England Patriots star recalled his own experience at the University of Michigan, stressing that his goal was to grow as a person and compete, not chase contracts.

“These kids are so young, their brains aren’t even fully developed, and now we’re putting them in front of financial decisions meant for adults,” Brady said. He believes this trend risks undermining essential values such as resilience, teamwork, and discipline, which were crucial throughout his career.

The role of parents and coaches

The seven-time Super Bowl champion emphasized the importance of adult guidance. “You can’t expect a 17 or 18-year-old to always make the best decisions. Parents and coaches need to instill the right values,” he stressed. Brady insisted that holistic development should remain the cornerstone of the college experience, beyond immediate financial benefits.

He also referenced Bill Belichick’s arrival at the University of North Carolina, noting that his players will receive elite-level coaching. Still, he cautioned that the former Patriots coach will face the challenge of working with athletes less physically developed than those in the NFL.

Brady as a commentator and his NFL outlook

The former Patriots captain also reflected on his first year as a broadcaster, calling it a constant learning process: “There were mistakes and successes, just like when I was a rookie in the NFL.” He praised current stars such as Patrick Mahomes, whom he considers the best example of leadership expected from a quarterback in today’s league.

For Tom Brady, success in sports—whether in college, the NFL, or his new role as an analyst—relies not only on talent, but on commitment, preparation, and the values that sustain a career. His message is clear: money should not be the centerpiece of young athletes’ development.